Monday, May 4, 2009

Hey Gang. Lately I have been on an adventure fix; but after the disappointment that is 20,000 Leagues, I was a little weary to jump right into another classic adventure tale. However, I was pleasantly surprised with H. G. Wells' The First Men in the Moon.

The First Men In the MoonBy H.G. Wells

Published in 1901, The First Men in the Moon is the story about a former businessman and a scientist who discover a way to defy gravity. With this new invention, they create a "sphere" and travel to the moon. Once on the moon, they discover a alien race they name "Selenites." From then on you are introduced to a whole new world, and are given a great mode of escape from the reality of the day.

"Over me, about me, closing in on me, embracing me ever nearer, was the Eternal, that which was before the beginning and that which triumphs over the end; that enormous void in which all light and life and being is but the thin and vanishing splendour of a falling star, the cold, the stillness, the silence-the infinite and final Night of space."

This story can been seen as all the good parts of Jules Verne, and none of the boring scientific classification mumbo-jumbo. Although there is some underlying social commentary, for me, it is simply a fun story to read on a gorgeous summer day. The first few chapters had me hooked, and I could literally feel myself being lifted off the ground and flying into space.

So if you are looking for a great escape, or a quick read, consider this book recommended.

In other news...

This week there is a Literary Fest at Prong's university. I will be joining her there and attending several readings/lectures, so we will bring you posts on those events sometime this weekend!

Not related to this post (excellent review by the way. I am not an avid science fiction reader, but I am willing to give HG Wells a try), I noticed that "Less Than Zero" made your book list. The new movie "The Informers" based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel is getting dreadful advance reviews. How is it that his novels don't translate to the screen?